Unsung heroes

The dramatic Ichhra Bazaar incident that took place last February is over, but the lessons learnt will be remembered for a long time. It is a particular moment to feel proud as timely action averted a big tragedy.

It is particularly significant as a woman’s life was saved. Clips from the scene highlight the valiant heroism of the lady ASP Shehrbano Naqvi who managed to steer her way through the charged crowd at the speed of light, negotiated with convincing rationale, and rescued the victim bravely to a safe exit.

The accolades received in recognition of her bravery and meticulous performance in the line of duty, nationally and internationally, are much appreciated. This is so particularly in a male-dominated society, where feats of women usually go unnoticed and least admired. However, in this dramatic unfolding of events, there are other unsung heroes worthy of acknowledgement who went unnoticed.

Johnson Tariq – the shopkeeper who protected the victim in his small shop, pulled down the shutters amidst the chanting mob, called 15 using his strength of mind, and waited for the police, despite the fear of being lynched by a charged crowd at his doorstep – deserves no less recognition, honour, and credit.

He was neither a member of law-enforcement agencies nor acting in the line of duty yet his valour remained undeterred. The time lag between his call and the arrival of the police was no less than signing his death warrant. It is inspirational heroism how a Christian risked his life for a Muslim when he is himself a member of an underprivileged minority community. He attended to the call of his conscience, putting his business and life in serious peril. How many of us can find the courage to take such a significant risk to try and save someone’s life?

When the ASP was making headlines, Johnson was unknown. His story was unearthed through a blogger on social media. The misreporting, if any, seems to stem from ignorance rather than prejudice, in this case. A Christian endangered his life to save a Muslim woman is heroic endeavour that deserves high projection at the national level.

If the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal is recommended for the ASP who was armed and assisted by a contingent of police force, then a civilian medal may be considered for the bravery of the unarmed and defenceless Johnson.

In the background of the intolerance Pakistan’s Christians have borne at the hands of frenzied Muslim mobs ransacking their houses and churches, not sparing their lives, this is a tale of utter heroism, human empathy, and reflection of interfaith harmony that should be highlighted.

Credit goes to the ASP for reaching the heart of the scene and defusing the situation. In this incident, there was actually more than one saviour, and all deserve their due recognition and reward. This one incident carries a few lessons for society as a whole.

First, credit should be given where it is due, regardless of position, power and social status. For example, a customs officer cannot confiscate contraband and detect evasion of duty without a team of his/her inspectors. A police officer cannot trace crime without the assistance of his/her DSPs/ASIs. This is where corrective action is required to allow the team credit for achieving the organizational goals and uphold principles of fairness, accuracy and inclusivity, ensuring all get a fair recognition.

Second, the way the ASP has been projected should become the norm, and every organization and institution should eulogize high achievers and their extraordinary feats. Women need a high degree of appreciation and effort for gender mainstreaming.

Third, the vulnerability of women needs to be addressed through effective legislation. A woman’s clothes have always triggered emotive responses and provided fodder for fundamentalism. Women need to feel safe in public and at their workplaces from incidents of obvious harassment and discrimination.

The writer holds an LLM degree ininternational economic law from the University of Warwick. She can be reached at: beelam_ramzan@yahoo.com